Couch Critic previews the NRL matches taking place on the 25th and 26th of July including best bets brought to you by @Olimp_SA
Let’s take a look at the weekend fixtures for Round 11 of the NRL.
WARRIORS vs ROOSTERS – Sat 25 July @ 07:00, Central Coast
The Story thus far
Despite at times playing rugby of an incredibly high standard the Roosters have only won three from their last five matches and surprisingly already have four losses behind their name in 2020. The Warriors have had their struggles this season and come into this match against the Premiers off the back of a beating at the hands of the Sharks.
Verdict
Its turning into a strange old season for the Chooks. At their sharpest no handicap would seem safe int his contest against the New Zealanders but the big numbers puts one off having too much confidence on such a play. The fact that the Roosters will be hurting after a loss means they will be focussed and hungry but a focus on the alternative markets will have to suffice.
CRONULLA SHARKS vs DRAGONS – Sat 25 July @ 09:30, Netstrata Jubilee Sydney
The Story thus far
Cronulla are now four victories from their last five and sit just outside the top eight. Off the back of an eight try effort against the Warriors they will tackle the Dragons with confidence. The Saints have also been on an upward curve of late – last week they came back strong for a dramatic victory on the buzzer against the Bulldogs.
Verdict
I’m expecting a one-for-you-one-for-me type of match in this one. In the end the Sharks might just end up scoring the one more than the Dragons.
CANBERRA RAIDERS vs SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS – Sat 25 July @ 11:35, GIO Canberra
The Story thus far
The Rooster-slaying Raiders go meet the Souths in Canberra on Saturday night. It’s sixth versus eighth with the Rabbitohs coming off a narrow loss to Newcastle in Round 10.
Verdict
Both teams have been a bit up and down but the home side will be looking to capitalise on the momentum creating by upsetting the Roosters and using it to finally get a bit of a run going in 2020. The Raiders should be good enough to get the job done here and are the safer of the two on the cap I reckon.
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NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS vs CANTERBURY BULLDOGS – Sun 26 July @ 06:00, McDonald Jones Newcastle
The Story thus far
Oh the poor old Bulldogs… They did incredibly well to come back against the Dragons and looked certain of victory only to thro (literally really) the win victory away. They remain firmly stuck in last position. The Knights blitzed the Bunnies early and were able to hold on from there. They are currently fourth on the log with the Roosters and Raiders hot on their heels.
Verdict
Against South Sydney Ponga finally performed at the high level that most have come to expect from him every single time he steps onto the park. With the hottest property in Rugby League pulling the strings t perfection few have a chance of sticking with Newcastle – the Bulldogs certainly aren’t one of those few. At their best Canterbury can try and pull the Knights down to their level and into a dogfight. A handicap of less than two scores would have seen me heavily involved.
GOLD COAST TITANS vs PENRITH PANTHERS – Sun 26 July @ 08:05, Gold Coast
Verdict
The Titans were never going to get near the Storm last week and they will have similar issues on Sunday. Their recent victories have been over the struggling Warriors and the dismal Broncos. This Panthers side is anything but stuttering at present. Despite never getting out of third gear they still had the beating of the Cowboys in the end. The Panthers should cruise past the home side in this one.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS (in order of preference)
Additional Plays
Sharks vs Dragons: Sharks to win by 1-12 points @ 3.00
Raiders vs Rabbitohs: HT/FT Margin – Raiders (1-8) / Raiders (13+) @ 9.00
Knights vs Bulldogs: HT/FT Margin – Knights (1-8) / Knights (13+) @ 6.50
Tryscorers
Warriors vs Roosters
Sharks vs Dragons
Raiders vs Rabbitohs
Knights vs Bulldogs
Titans vs Panthers
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
